The Life History of the Superb Blue WrenMalurus cyaneus

Abstract

Summary A completely colour-banded population of these small, sociable, multibrocded passerines of the sub-family Malurinae was studied fur more than tour years at Gungahlin. Canberra, A.C.T. Their plumage, behaviour, song. beeding biology and population dynamics are discussed with particular reference to the persistence of the young-of-the-year within the family group throughout the winter, the consequent problems of dispersion and, ultimately, the frequent occurrence of more than one mature male in the breeding group. It is suggested that this apparent polyandry enables the species to be reproductively more successful within the limits of a variable climate.